Ivan Rakitic: 'Barcelona always believed'

Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic says that his team 'always believed' in their chances of avoiding defeat against Sevilla on Saturday night.

Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has insisted that his team 'always believed' in their chances of avoiding defeat against Sevilla at the Estadio Ramon on Saturday night.

Sevilla led the runaway league leaders by two goals entering the closing stages of the match, but Luis Suarez halved the deficit in the 88th minute before Lionel Messi struck shortly after for 2-2.

Barcelona had to survive a host of pressure to ultimately claim a point, and Rakitic has revealed that coming from behind in such a manner has given the team "spectacular morale".

"The team believed we could it turn around until the final whistle. It was important to start well after the international break, even if it was difficult, but coming back like this gives us spectacular morale," Rakitic told reporters.

Barcelona are still unbeaten in La Liga this season, and currently sit 12 points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid.